If you’ve accidentally hidden columns in your Excel worksheet or are dealing with shared files where data is not fully visible, learning how to unhide columns in Excel is essential. This quick guide explains several methods—especially using keyboard shortcuts on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu/Linux—to unhide columns and get back to full visibility in your spreadsheet.
✅ Why Are Columns Hidden in Excel?
Columns might be hidden:
- To clean up presentation or reduce clutter
- During data protection or auditing
- Accidentally, while manipulating large datasets
Regardless of the reason, it’s easy to bring them back.
🔓 How to Unhide Columns in Excel – Fast Methods
🧭 Method 1: Use the Right-Click Menu
- Select the columns adjacent to the hidden one(s).
Example: To unhide column B, select A and C. - Right-click the selection.
- Choose Unhide.
✅ This method works identically on Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu (LibreOffice).
⌨️ Method 2: Keyboard Shortcuts to Unhide Columns
🪟 On Windows
- Ctrl + Shift + 0
This shortcut should unhide selected columns—but it may be disabled by default due to regional settings. To use it:- Go to Control Panel > Clock and Region > Change Input Methods
- Enable standard US keyboard layout temporarily
Alternative:
- Press Alt + H + O + U + L (a reliable, ribbon-based sequence)
🍎 On macOS
- Command + Shift + 0
Also works, but like Windows, may need keyboard layout settings adjusted. - Alternatively, go to Format > Column > Unhide from the Excel menu.
🐧 On Ubuntu/Linux (LibreOffice Calc)
- Select columns on both sides of the hidden one(s).
- Right-click and choose Show
- Or use: Format > Column > Show
📋 Shortcut Recap Table
| Action | Windows | macOS | Ubuntu/Linux (LibreOffice) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unhide column shortcut | Ctrl + Shift + 0 (may need activation) | Cmd + Shift + 0 (same) | Format > Column > Show |
| Ribbon method | Alt + H + O + U + L | Menu navigation | Menu navigation |
| Mouse method | Right-click > Unhide | Right-click > Unhide | Right-click > Show |
💡 Bonus: Unhide All Columns in Excel
- Press Ctrl + A (Windows/Linux) or Cmd + A (macOS) to select the entire sheet.
- Right-click on any column header.
- Click Unhide.
This brings back all hidden columns in one click.
⚠️ Common Issues When Columns Won’t Unhide
- Grouped Columns: Use Data > Ungroup if columns are grouped.
- Protected Sheet: Unhiding is disabled in protected sheets. Go to Review > Unprotect Sheet.
- Zero-Width Columns: Sometimes columns aren’t technically hidden, just resized to width 0. Resize them manually or use the unhide method.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I unhide column A in Excel?
Column A can’t be selected easily. Click the name box, type A1, press Enter, then use Alt + H + O + U + L or right-click and choose Unhide.
Can I unhide multiple columns at once?
Yes. Select a range that includes hidden columns and apply the unhide method.
Do these methods work in Excel Online?
Yes, though keyboard shortcuts may be limited. Use the right-click menu or ribbon instead.
Can LibreOffice Calc unhide columns the same way?
Absolutely! Use Format > Column > Show or the right-click method.
✅ Conclusion
Knowing how to unhide columns in Excel is a basic yet powerful skill. Whether you’re on Windows, macOS, or Ubuntu, you can easily bring hidden data back into view using keyboard shortcuts, menu options, or mouse right-clicks. Unlocking full visibility in your spreadsheet helps ensure you’re not missing crucial information.
Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.
https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/
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